Issue - meetings

To consider a motion on notice proposed by Councillor Mione Goldspink and seconded by Councillor Chris Wilson.

Councillor Goldspink proposed a motion on notice on anti-racism.  She spoke to the motion she had submitted, referring to the experience of many people who suffered institutional racism and setting out the importance of addressing unconscious bias. Her motion sought a commitment on the part of the Council to do all in its power to identify and end any instances of racism or prejudicial practices within its own organisation, and to appoint an external professional to assess the Council’s activities in this regard, who would list actions to ensure diversity and equality pledges were fulfilled. 

Councillor Wilson seconded the motion.

Councillor Bolton said that, as Chairman of the Human Resources Committee, she wished to emphasise that the Council had a statutory duty to comply with the Equalities legislation, and the Council published an annual report on how it had done so.  The Council was opposed to racism in all its forms. 

Councillor Williamson said that from a financial perspective, Members were deeply aware of unbudgeted costs and of putting additional pressure on services. 

Councillor Drake said she had submitted a motion on notice in similar terms without having initially been aware of Councillor Goldspink’s motion.  She therefore proposed amendments to the motion.  The amendments were: 

in the first paragraph, to add the wording “in the USA” and delete “America”;

in the second paragraph, to delete the word “institutional” before “racism” and add “ and discrimination” after the word “racism;

also in the second paragraph, to add the wording “that may exist” before the words “within its own organisation”;

to delete the final paragraph starting “To ensure full transparency”, and add two further paragraphs as follows:  “East Herts Council stands united against all forms of inequality.  As community leaders we must challenge injustices wherever and however they arise.  We support the freedom of all individuals and all communities to speak out and share their experiences and frustrations and work alongside them and society as a whole to reduce overt prejudice and unconscious bias.

“As it is our responsibility to be part of the conversation, we will work with internal structures, external groups and organisations to ensure an anti-racist culture is embedded in all that the council says and does as an employer and a provider of public services so we can better educate, understand and bring about positive change to achieve a more equal and fair society.”

Councillor Crystall seconded the amendment.  He said the issues of inequality and racism had already started to slip down the news agenda, and it was important to keep them in mind.  The wording of a motion was no substitute for action. 

Councillor Corpe said he was pleased that the Council was considering a motion to condemn systematic racism.  Whilst he welcomed the proposed amendments, it was a pity to remove the provision for an external professional to assess the Council’s procedures.  The Council employed auditors such as EY and it should not mark its own homework. 

Regarding the monitoring of inequality, Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97